Sheffield United Academy honour fallen heroes
Sheffield United’s Under-12 Academy players have been honouring those who served in the First and Second World Wars
Under-12 players from Sheffield United’s Academy have met with local army veterans as part of the Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament project.
Held annually, the initiative challenges U12 academy teams to commemorate the Christmas Truce of 1914, when British and German soldiers famously laid down their weapons to play football during the First World War.
This year’s project also marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War — remembering and honouring all those who lost their lives in both conflicts.
The Christmas Truce Tournament takes place in Ypres, Belgium, each December. Five teams qualify through matches, while three others earn their place through a creative education project.
Kyle McIntosh, Project Lead at Sheffield United Academy, said:
“The Truce Tournament is something we look forward to each year. It’s a powerful way to help our young players understand the realities and sacrifices of war, and they’ve shown incredible enthusiasm in bringing that learning to life through their classroom work, community engagement, and fundraising this year.”
As part of their educational project, the U12 players met with members of the Sheffield Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) in October. The visit offered a unique opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of military life and to discuss the shared values of teamwork, resilience and camaraderie that unite footballers and service personnel.
John Nixon, founder of the AFVBC, said:
“All of the players conducted themselves brilliantly and really understood the significance of taking time to sit and talk with the veterans. They set a fantastic example for others to follow — not only in how they represented the club but also in learning about the history of both World Wars and the sacrifices made by so many to secure the freedoms we enjoy today.”
To commemorate those who served in both conflicts, the young players created a special wreath using materials from last year’s training kit. The wreath features 15 poppies — each representing a Sheffield United player who was called up to the front line in 1914 and 1939.
The wreath was presented to a group of veterans invited to Bramall Lane ahead of the QPR game on Saturday (8 November, 2025), before being laid at the club’s memorial as a mark of respect.
The attending veterans also enjoyed a stadium tour organised by the young players, in collaboration with Sheffield United.
In addition, the young players were tasked with learning about those who trained or played with Sheffield United and went on to serve in wartime – Sam Bagnall (First World War) and Karl Witt (Second World War).
Bobby Talbot, U12 Sheffield United Academy player, said:
“Being part of the Christmas Truce project has been a real honour. It’s been amazing to learn about the soldiers who came together during both wars and to understand what they went through. Taking part has really made me appreciate how football can bring people together, even in difficult times.”
Extending their community efforts, Sheffield United’s U12 players were invited to CrossFit Sheffield by owner and former Royal Marine Tony Goddard to take part in a special Remembrance Day workout. During the visit, the young players shared insights from their Truce Project, reflecting on what they’ve learned about remembrance and camaraderie, before joining participants in the two-minute silence at 11 o’clock.
And to round off their project portfolio, the U12s also organised a fundraising bake sale at the academy - supported by parents and grandparents - with all proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion.
For more information on the Sheffield Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC), visit Sheffield AFVBC, or head to the groups Facebook page.